The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-04-13

4 DOunu over 70 tue ulkncI COuft uuQtT TIC
charge of murder In the first degree.
| Albert stoutly protested his innocence,
| but the fact that he could give no satisfac-
tory account of what had happened on the
fatal night weighed heavily against him.
| During bis confinement in Jail he was Wis.,
! tied daily by Edna, who ministered to his
wants and cheered him up to pass through
the ordeal like q man.
The day of the trial came, and the viii
layers turned out en- masse to witness the
proceedings. The case had become a cele-
brated one throughout the country. Wit
nesses were introduced to show that the
brothers quarreled frequently. The three
sleepy farmers who were sitting on the
veranda that afternoon in October, 1S49,
testified that John had used some little
"cuss words" when he returned that after
noon from the south and stopped TO water
his horse.
With tears in her eyes Edna told of all
that happened on that particular afternoon.
and even went so far as TO tell oil Albert
had told her about "love."
Albert's defense was entire innocence.
He retailed how John had entered the
house that night about eight o'clock. and
| had asked him if he had asked Edna to be
| his wife. He testified that he told John
that he had, whereupon John took his
hand, pressed it tightly. and left the house
without saying another word. That was
all that Albert could say.
To all present this was very improbable
story.
The prosecuting attorney in his argu-
ment introduced the skeleton and demon
strated the fact that il was none other than
than that of John Signer Alberts attorney
made short but forcible plea; the Judge
made his usual charge to the jury; and the
twelve men, tried and true, retired to an
ante room.
Wise heads said that the jury would not
be ont very long, SO the crowd remained in
the courtroom. Albert was transferred
back to the Jail. The jury was out just
three hours.
During this time a stranger entered the
room and edged his way up to where Al
bert's attorney sat. He wore a fine over
coat and large SLOUGH hat, while his white
beard and long, wavy hair, white as snow,
contrasted with the dark clothing he wore.
He whispered n few words to the attorney,
and then seated himself beside Edna, hang
ing his head so low that even she could not
see his face.
At last the word was whispered from
mouth to mouth that the jury had agreed.
Edna grew pale and nervous; the attorneys
moved to and fro; the crowd stretched its
neck little farther; the Judge resumed
his seat; Albert was brought back into
court; the jury filed in; the crowd grew ex-
cited; the Stranger with gray hair and
beard remained motionless.
Everything was in readiness for the jury
TO render its verdict when the stranger
whispered few words to the attorney.
That gentleman spranR to his feet, looked
ha ctr nd a1H ha
Judge. asking that the proceedings be de-
layed and that gentleman present be al
lowed to say one word. Everyone strained
his or her eyes to see who the gentleman
was.
The stranger arose, bowed to the Judge,
looked at the Jury in defiant way, and
then toward Albert. As he turned he gave
his beard IA little jerk and it fell as if by
magic.
Their eyes met.
john" Albert" they both exclaimed
and rushed into each others arms.
The Judge grew interested, the jury held
another consultation, while the villagers
went wild with delight; for sure enough it
was John himself, only he had improved a
great deal.
After the excitement had abated some
what, the jury returned verdict of not
guilty. Then the Judge, jury, attorneys,
and friends demanded an explanation from
John.
Mounting chair, and with a voice full
of emotion. he said:
Friends, you are all aware of the sup
posed difficulty between my brother and l.
Well, / thought that this was no place for
me, so left that night and went direct to
California. There l remained until three
weeks ago, making heaps of money, as
they say. Three days ago L heard, for the
first time, that my brother was charged
with my murder. / was in New York at
the time, but got here as quickly as | could.
As to the skeleton found under the barn, 1t
was mine. 1t was given me by an old
friend. and, not knowing what to do with
it, buried it under the barn.
The crowd gave three lusty cheers, and
the twin brothers lett the room arm in arm.
A few evenings later John was sitting i'll
the coy little parlor, in Edna's house,
while that fair creature sat close by. After
relating many questionable stories about
California, he grew serious.
Tell me" said he, what came between
You and Albert, and why you did not marry
him?"
"John, don't you know why?"
"No, do not.
Cant YOU guess a littleP"
well, it was not on my account, was it?"
allow do you know"
MAY hope it was?"
Eyes: guess you can, if you want to-"
swell, Edna, Ill not run away this time,
like a sheep, and get my twin brother into
trouble.